The Canadian Grand Prix once again provided high drama and strategic headaches for the teams battling at the front of the Formula 1 grid. Most notably, McLaren found themselves at the center of intense debate following a nail-biting race, in which the decisions made on the pit wall may have shaped or even upended the outcome for their star drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal is famed for its unpredictability—rain showers, sudden Safety Cars, and the ever-present “Wall of Champions.” The 2024 event was no exception, with changeable weather and tricky timing forcing teams to make split-second strategic calls. For McLaren, the main question echoes in paddocks and homes alike: could the Woking squad have walked away with a race victory, or did they truly maximize their result?
Lando Norris started from third on the grid and showcased brilliant racecraft under mixed conditions. On a track that was drying and then threatened by more rain, Norris used his feel for grip to surge into the lead, overtaking both Max Verstappen and George Russell with confident and precise moves. However, the narrative shifted with the deployment of the Safety Car. McLaren’s response—or rather, their brief delay—would become the storyline of the afternoon.
As the Safety Car was deployed, Verstappen and Russell immediately pitted for fresh tires. McLaren chose to keep Norris out for a lap longer, a decision that ultimately cost them track position as Norris rejoined behind Verstappen. Why did McLaren hesitate? The team later explained that uncertain weather forecasts made the ideal tire strategy extremely difficult to predict. While hindsight shows an earlier pit stop would have allowed Norris to retain his advantage, the dynamic and evolving situation on track meant that any call was fraught with risk.
The strategic tightrope extended to Oscar Piastri as well. Running a strong race just behind the leaders, Piastri was caught in a similar dilemma regarding tire choices and timing. In McLaren’s defense, they minimized risk by making decisions that prioritized guaranteed points, especially with unpredictable rain clouds looming overhead. However, some fans and pundits argue that a bolder approach could have put both cars on the podium—even in contention for victory.
Another intriguing angle is the pace Norris and Piastri displayed once on the right tires. Both drivers demonstrated just how far McLaren has come since their struggles at the start of last year. The MCL38 proved particularly quick in Montreal’s technical corners and on the slippery surface, confirming the car’s consistent upward trajectory. The team’s development and the drivers’ ability to adapt in treacherous conditions bodes well for the rest of the championship campaign.
Yet, the question remains: did McLaren truly make the most of their opportunity in Montreal? One could argue that banking solid points in variable conditions is a mark of maturity and signals that the team is thinking long-term. On the other hand, McLaren’s hunger for their first win since 2021 is undeniable, and the heartbreak of missing out—potentially due to one crucial decision—will raise heated debate in debrief rooms and fan forums alike.
It’s clear that McLaren are now consistent contenders at the sharp end of the grid, capable of fighting the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari even under the most testing circumstances. While Montreal may feel like a missed chance, it also underlines just how close McLaren are to returning to the top step of the podium. With the championship fight as close as it’s been for years, fans can look forward to more thrilling battles—and perhaps, very soon, the sweet taste of victory for the papaya team.
